We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcin Michalak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcin, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
At the end of my graduation, I felt a strong desire to pursue my interests and passions by starting my own business. With a background in computer science and medicine, I founded my first startup, dr Poket, with a mission to use technology to help people better manage their prescribed medications.

The initial inspiration for dr Poket came from a friend who was struggling to keep track of all the precautions that came with the many medications he was taking. We decided to create a solution that could simplify the process and help others like him.

Initially, we developed three separate applications that could verify whether medications could be taken with alcohol, by pregnant women, or if they could affect psychomotor skills. As our project gained traction, it evolved into a comprehensive system that could simplify communication between doctors and patients, while also helping patients to better manage their treatment.

Our platform, dr Poket, offers well-organized data on contraindications and side effects of specific medications, making it easy for patients to access important information about how their medication may affect pregnancy, breastfeeding, or driving skills. Additionally, it offers automatic checks for drug interactions, in case of multiple medications or if a patient wants to add new medications to their treatment schedule.

To further support our users, we also developed an electronic medication assistant called PillBox, which helped patients keep track of their medications and schedules. It was during the development of PillBox that my passion for hardware engineering began to take root.

Overall, the idea behind starting dr Poket was born out of a desire to combine my interests and passions with a mission to help others. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in people’s lives.

What should our readers know about your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business started from my passion for healthcare/lifesaving-related activities while I was a teenager, and my interest in combining computer science and medicine. Working as scuba diving, motorboat, and lifeguard instructor, inspired me to create solutions that could address healthcare issues in the future. I pursued a degree in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Informatics in Medicine, where I could use both directions of courses to discover my dream future job.

After graduating, I worked as a Network and Systems Administrator at a well-funded company that allowed me to work on the newest technology in the IT market and participate in multiple certified courses from top companies in the IT/Hardware scope. However, I knew I needed to fulfill my dreams and founded my first startup, dr Poket, which was related to my interests and passion. Our platform was created to simplify communication between doctors and patients, with the simultaneous ability to supervise patients’ treatment, and provide well-organized data about contraindications and side effects of taking specific medications.

The most important factor to get me where I am today is my ability to identify and solve real problems with innovative technology solutions. I have a clear understanding of the market and its needs, and I have used my passion and knowledge to create products that address those needs. It was not easy, but my persistence, dedication, hard work, and the great people around me have been critical factors in my success. I have shown a willingness to put in the time and effort required to build and grow my startups, and I have remained committed to my goals despite setbacks and challenges.
The most important lesson I have learned is that success is not just about hard work and dedication, but also about adaptability and resilience. I’ve had to learn to navigate through unexpected challenges and changes in the market, and I’ve realized that being able to pivot and adjust my strategies is crucial in staying competitive and relevant. Additionally, building strong relationships and networks has been instrumental in my career growth, and I’ve learned to value the power of collaboration and partnerships. Overall, my business/career has taught me that success is a continuous journey that requires continuous learning, growth, and adaptation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend on a week-long trip that showcases the best of the Bay Area’s nature, technology and food scene.

Day 1: We would start the trip with a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and walk across it to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay Area. Then, we would head to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco to explore the wonders of science and technology.

Day 2: We would drive down to Santa Cruz to hit the beach and surf the waves. After a fun day in the sun, we would grab some delicious pizza at Pizza My Heart, one of the best pizza places in town.

Day 3: We would take a hike in the stunning Muir Woods National Monument, located just north of San Francisco, to immerse ourselves in the beauty of California’s coastal redwoods. Then, we would have a tasty meal at Gott’s Roadside in Sausalito, known for its juicy burgers and cheesy garlic fries.

Day 4: We would visit the world-renowned Silicon Valley, taking a tour of the headquarters of tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. For dinner, we would head to Pizzeria Delfina, a top-rated pizza place in the area.

Day 5: We would explore the beautiful city of Berkeley, hiking in the Tilden Regional Park, and checking out the famous UC Berkeley campus. For dinner, we would indulge in some mouth-watering burgers at Nation’s Giant Hamburgers.

Day 6: We would venture out to Napa Valley to sample some of the best wines in the world, taking a tour of some of the most renowned vineyards in the area. For dinner, we would have some more tasty pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco.

Day 7: We would end the trip with a nighttime visit to Alcatraz Island to explore the infamous prison and learn about its fascinating history. Then, we would head to The Interval at Long Now, a cozy bar in San Francisco known for its creative cocktails and unique atmosphere.

Overall, this itinerary highlights some of the most exciting places in the Bay Area, from its stunning natural beauty to its cutting-edge technology and delicious food scene.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have had the opportunity to meet many great and wise individuals who have helped guide me along the way. While I do not have a single role model mentor, I am fortunate to be able to turn to my mother for valuable advice and support whenever I need it – whether it’s related to business or personal matters. She has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my life, and I am grateful for her unwavering support. So, Big Shoutout to her!

Website: www.drpoket.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcin-michalak/

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